The paper manufacturing industry in the US plays a crucial role in both the economy and everyday life. It includes companies that create a wide range of products, from packaging materials to office supplies. The industry’s evolution leans towards sustainability, with many firms adopting eco-friendly practices and materials. As digital communication increases, the demand for printed paper products is facing challenges; however, packaging and specialty paper segments, such as hygiene products and recycled materials, are on the rise. Innovations in manufacturing processes are also aimed at lowering environmental impact, ensuring the industry's relevance in a modernized world.


This article showcases 14 investors actively participating in the US paper manufacturing sector. These investors range from private equity firms like The Riverside Company, headquartered in New York, to corporate giants such as Sonoco based in South Carolina. Founded from as early as 1899, and with deal activity in 2024 varying from 2 to 79 total investments, these firms illustrate a mix of commitment and strategy, enhancing their roles within this essential industry.


Top 14 Paper Manufacturing Investors in the US


1. The Riverside Company


The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Among its notable transactions, Riverside acquired Hudson-Sharp Machine Company in 1998, a firm that manufactures machinery used in the packaging industry, which is closely related to paper manufacturing. Additionally, they acquired Vitex Packaging Group in the same year, further emphasizing their involvement in the packaging sector. Other acquisitions, such as Selig Group and Rutland Group, also reflect their strategy of investing in companies that may have ties to manufacturing processes relevant to the paper industry. This diverse investment approach positions Riverside as a potential player in the paper manufacturing space, even if their primary focus is broader.


2. Atlas Holdings LLC


Atlas Holdings LLC is a private equity investment firm founded in 2002, based in the United States. The firm specializes in building and managing a diversified group of manufacturing and distribution businesses across various sectors. Atlas Holdings focuses on transforming underperforming companies into high-performance organizations, serving customers in industries such as automotive, construction, and food processing. In the paper manufacturing context, Atlas Holdings has made several notable acquisitions, including Twin Rivers Paper Company in 2013, Millar Western in 2017, Marcal Paper Mills in 2012, and Finch Paper in 2007. These transactions highlight their active role in the paper industry, showcasing their strategy of investing in and revitalizing paper manufacturing companies.


3. Morgan Stanley

  • Website: morganstanley.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1986
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 79
  • LinkedIn: morgan-stanley

Morgan Stanley is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1986, headquartered in New York, New York. With a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees, the firm offers a diverse range of services including wealth management, investment banking, and capital markets. Morgan Stanley serves a wide array of clients, including individuals, families, corporations, and governments, helping them manage and grow their financial assets. Notably, Morgan Stanley has been involved in significant transactions within the paper manufacturing sector, such as providing $1.2 billion in debt financing to Fedrigoni, a leading paper manufacturer, and $90 million in debt financing to Von Drehle, a company specializing in paper products. These transactions highlight Morgan Stanley's active role in supporting the paper manufacturing industry, showcasing their commitment to investing in this sector while also maintaining a broad investment portfolio across various industries.


4. American Industrial Partners


American Industrial Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, specializing in operationally-oriented investments in industrial businesses. Founded in 2005, AIP focuses on enhancing the performance of their portfolio companies through strategic financial support and operational improvements. Among their notable transactions, AIP acquired Domtar Personal Care, a division of Domtar Corporation, which is involved in the paper manufacturing industry. This acquisition highlights AIP's engagement in the paper sector. Other transactions include the acquisition of Presstek, Verico Technology, and manroland Goss web systems, showcasing their diverse investment portfolio across various industrial sectors. AIP's strategy is to optimize operations and drive growth in their investments, making them a relevant player in the industrial landscape, including paper manufacturing.


5. Sonoco

  • Website: sonoco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Hartsville, South Carolina, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1899
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: sonoco

Sonoco Products Company, founded in 1899 and headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina, is a leading packaging manufacturer that provides a diverse range of consumer and industrial packaging solutions. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees and operations in multiple countries, Sonoco serves various industries, including food and beverage, healthcare, and personal care. Recently, Sonoco has made significant strides in the paper manufacturing sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, they acquired U.S. Paper Mills Corp., a 90,000-ton paper mill in Hutchinson, Kansas, which enhances their position in the consumer-driven tissue and towel coreboard market. Additionally, they acquired D&W Paper Tubes, Inc., specializing in sustainable industrial paper tubes, further solidifying their commitment to the paper industry. These transactions reflect Sonoco's focus on innovative packaging solutions tailored to meet customer needs, particularly in the paper manufacturing domain.


6. Wind Point Partners

  • Website: wppartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: wind-point-partners

Wind Point Partners is a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in middle-market investments. Founded in 1984, the firm partners with business owners and executives to provide capital and strategic guidance, focusing on long-term value creation. Their expertise spans various sectors, including business services, consumer products, and industrial products. Notably, Wind Point Partners has made significant investments in companies relevant to the paper manufacturing industry, such as the acquisition of Novolex in 2012, a leader in packaging solutions that often utilizes paper products. They also acquired Paragon Films in 2016, a manufacturer of high-performance cast stretch films, which may complement paper packaging solutions. These transactions highlight Wind Point's strategic interest in sectors that intersect with paper manufacturing, facilitating growth and transformation for their portfolio companies.


7. SK Capital Partners


SK Capital Partners is a private investment firm based in New York, specializing in the specialty materials, ingredients, and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2007, the firm aims to transform portfolio companies through strategic investments and operational improvements, creating sustainable value for stakeholders. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Ecopol, an Italian manufacturer of water-soluble and biodegradable films, which aligns with the growing demand for sustainable materials in various industries, including paper manufacturing. Additionally, their acquisition of Techmer PM, a company involved in advanced materials, further showcases their focus on innovative solutions that could intersect with the paper sector. These investments reflect SK Capital's strategy to partner with businesses that enhance growth and efficiency, potentially benefiting the paper manufacturing industry as it evolves towards sustainability.


8. Apollo Global Management, Inc.

  • Website: apollo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1990
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 46
  • LinkedIn: apollo-global-management-inc

Apollo Global Management, Inc. is an asset management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative assets and retirement solutions. Founded in 1990, the firm manages a diverse portfolio across credit, private equity, and real assets, catering to institutional investors, corporations, and individual clients. Notably, Apollo has made significant investments in the paper manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of a 67% controlling stake in Reno De Medici Group, a key player in the production of paper products, for approximately 315.3 million EUR. Additionally, they acquired a majority stake in Novolex Holdings LLC, which is involved in packaging solutions, further emphasizing their commitment to the paper and packaging industries. These strategic investments highlight Apollo's integrated platform that seeks to empower retirees and provide innovative capital solutions while actively participating in the paper manufacturing market.


9. One Equity Partners

  • Website: oneequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 11
  • LinkedIn: one-equity-partners

One Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2001. The firm specializes in investing in middle-market businesses across various sectors, including industrial, healthcare, and technology. One Equity Partners aims to build market-leading companies through transformative business combinations and strategic partnerships, providing capital and management expertise to enhance growth. Notably, they acquired Walki Group Oy in April 2018, a company that produces paper-based products and packaging solutions, highlighting their involvement in the paper manufacturing industry. Additionally, their acquisition of Constantia Flexibles in 2009, a company that specializes in flexible packaging, further demonstrates their interest in sectors related to paper and packaging. Their recent transactions, such as the acquisition of Clayens NP and Gruppo B&T, indicate a continued focus on enhancing their portfolio in various manufacturing sectors, which may include opportunities in paper manufacturing.


10. OpenGate Capital


OpenGate Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in New York, specializing in acquiring and creating value in the lower-to-middle market across North America and Europe. Founded in 2005, the firm focuses on operational improvement and flexible capital solutions for businesses, particularly in the industrials and technology sectors. Notably, OpenGate Capital has made significant investments in the paper manufacturing industry, including the acquisition of NorPaper in February 2011 and the acquisition of Kotkamills Oy, a manufacturer of specialty paper and wood products, in July 2010 for a total consideration of up to €24 million. These transactions highlight OpenGate's strategic interest in enhancing the value of companies within the paper sector, alongside their broader investment portfolio.


11. Bain Capital

  • Website: baincapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1984
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 19
  • LinkedIn: bain-capital

Bain Capital, LP is a leading private investment firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in various asset classes, including private equity, venture capital, credit, and real estate. Bain Capital provides strategic resources and capital to businesses and entrepreneurs, helping them grow across multiple industries. Notably, Bain Capital has made significant investments in the paper manufacturing sector, including the acquisition of Fedrigoni, an Italy-based specialty paper and self-adhesive labels producer, in December 2018, and Ahlstrom-Munksjö Oyj, a Finnish manufacturer of fiber-based materials, in January 2021. These transactions highlight Bain Capital's focus on the paper industry and its commitment to supporting companies within this sector.


12. International Paper


International Paper is a corporate investor based in Memphis, Tennessee, specializing in the manufacturing of packaging and paper products. Founded in 1898, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and is recognized as a leader in the industry. International Paper's product offerings include corrugated packaging, paper bags, and various types of pulp, serving a diverse range of customers across multiple industries. In recent years, the company has been actively involved in strategic acquisitions to enhance its market position. For instance, in April 2024, International Paper announced its intention to acquire DS Smith for £5.8 billion, which would significantly impact the UK packaging sector. Other notable transactions include the acquisition of Omaha Paper Stock Company in 2014 and Berkley International's moulded fibre division in 2021. These transactions underscore International Paper's ongoing commitment to expanding its capabilities and presence in the paper manufacturing industry.


13. Ennis, Inc.

  • Website: ennis.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Midlothian, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1909
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ennis-inc.

Ennis, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Midlothian, Texas, founded in 1909. The company specializes in manufacturing and supplying a wide range of printed business products, including forms, checks, and promotional materials. With over 55 locations across the U.S., Ennis serves a vast network of distributors, providing high-quality printing solutions. Notably, Ennis has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the paper manufacturing context. For instance, the acquisition of Trade Envelopes, Inc. in 2007 allowed Ennis to expand its envelope business, which is a significant paper product. More recently, in 2024, Ennis acquired Printing Technologies, Inc., further diversifying its product offerings in the commercial printing sector. These transactions highlight Ennis's commitment to growing its presence in the paper-related market.


14. Graphic Packaging International, LLC


Graphic Packaging International, LLC is a corporate investor based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in paper-based packaging solutions for various industries, including food, beverage, and consumer products. Founded in 1920, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and is committed to innovation and sustainability in its packaging offerings. In recent years, Graphic Packaging has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its position in the paper manufacturing sector. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Seydaco Packaging Corp., a folding carton producer, which was announced in January 2018, and the acquisition of AR Packaging Group AB for approximately $1.45 billion in May 2021, aimed at boosting their global scale and innovation capabilities. Additionally, they have entered into agreements to acquire Bell Incorporated and Americraft Carton, further solidifying their presence in the paper-based packaging market. These transactions highlight Graphic Packaging's active role in the paper manufacturing industry, making them a relevant investor in this space.



Paper Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
Atlas Holdings LLCUnited States (USA)11-5020023
Morgan StanleyNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+198679
American Industrial PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020058
SonocoHartsville, South Carolina, United States (USA)10001+18992
Wind Point PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)11-5019843
SK Capital PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-20020073
Apollo Global Management, Inc.New York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000199046
One Equity PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50200111
OpenGate CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020050
Bain CapitalBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)1001-5000198419
International PaperMemphis, Tennessee, United States (USA)10001+18986
Ennis, Inc.Midlothian, Texas, United States (USA)5001-1000019091
Graphic Packaging International, LLCAtlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)10001+19200


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